Old Fashion Lends Its Look To A New Wave

May 14, 1986|By Davin Light of the Sentinel staff

Classics' return to favor among the chic also has brought two longtime fashion houses -- Hermes and Chanel -- into the vocabularies of baby boomers. Wealthy trend-setters like Princess Di can't seem to get enough of the clean, sophisticated styles popularized by such elegant women as Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. The jeans generation still wears denims, but now they top them with expensive, hand-printed Hermes scarves, secure them with Chanel chain belts and pay for them with money carried in ''Kelly'' bags -- Hermes satchel handbags popularized by the former actress.

Hermes, the 149-year-old French leather goods empire that began as a harness and saddlery shop, is enjoying record-breaking sales for the second consecutive year. Last year, when it updated its look to include $625 sweatshirts and other fashions geared to young trendies, Hermes (pronounced AIR-mez) saw profits exceed $100 million. The company is hoping for even greater sales this year.

The most popular of Hermes' products are its hand-printed scarves, which sport rope, chain, equestrian and other motifs. A scarf starts at about $115. But for those who can't, or won't, plunk down that kind of cash, there are budget-priced products that are equally fashionable. Several companies make great imitations of Hermes scarves and belts, as well as other luxurious accessories with Chanel styling details. A good assortment of these classy knock-offs can be found locally at Patristel, 180 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. With what you can save buying an imitation, you might even be tempted to buy several.